The Wheel of Doll

A Novel

By: Jonathan Ames

Narrated by: Jonathan Ames

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

The eponymous and hapless detective Happy Doll returns with a new philosophy and a new case in this second installment of a series "that's a tightly coiled double helix of offbeat humor and unflinching violence" (New York Times Book Review).

Although badly scarred and down to his last kidney after the previous caper, Happy Doll is back in business. When a beguiling young woman turns up at his door, it’s Doll’s past that comes knocking. Mary DeAngelo is searching for her estranged mother, Ines Candle—a singular and troubled woman Doll once loved. The last he’d seen her she’d been near-death: arms slit like envelopes. Although she survived the episode, she vanished shortly thereafter. Now, years later, Mary claims Ines is alive and has recently made contact—messaging her on Facebook and calling her from a burner phone—only to disappear once again. Although his psychoanalyst would discourage it, Doll takes the case, desperate to see Ines again. But as the investigation deepens, there are questions he can’t shake. What’s led the flighty Ines to reappear? Is Mary only relaying half the truth? And who is Mary’s strange and mysterious husband?

In this wholly original follow-up to A Man Named Doll, Happy travels through L.A., Washington, Oregon and back again—a journey that gets wilder and woolier with each turn. An irreverent and inventive mystery, The Wheel of Doll is not to be missed.

©2022 Jonathan Ames (P)2022 Mulholland Books

Another good Doll story

I was anticipating this book and was not disappointed. The story picks up from the first books but would stand alone if you chose to read this one first. This book is not for the weak at heart because of the language, violence and drug use. However none of it is gratuitous. The ending was kind of frustrating because it was left open. Guess we will all see where the next installment takes us. As with the first book, the characters and descriptions are so vivid in the writing and narrating you really feel like you are in LA and other places when listening/reading. Did not discuss plot because you just need to read to appreciate a story that was well done. I will say there are a few twists and turns that you will enjoy.

Wow!

I love the Authors voice.
I appreciate the detail in which he describes each character & situation. Thrilling yet hysterically funny. With many books on audible, I ask Alexa how many minutes left ( because I'm bored) In this case I ask only to wonder when all this verbal pleasure ends. Well done Sir. Book 2 just as good as book 1.

Tedious

Authors voice grated on my nerves after a couple hours. Story was tedious and tried too hard to be mystical in a boring way. Very hard to believe he was so in love with an addict with few teeth, a shaved head and filthy dirty.

I couldn't stop listening!

Everytime I thought I could put away , a unexpected plot twist would arise and make my heart beat faster, I loved Happy Doll in his 1st book and in this one i fell in love and hate back and forth along with pity and fear for him! if you like a edge of your seat thriller you'll love this book, I hope this isnt the end of Happy Doll

GIVE IT A CHANCE

Yes the author reads it and pronounces some words differently than I do, but it's a great book and I think that adds to the overall flavor. Definitely recommend.

Another good listen from and by this author

Our hapless hero and first person narrator again seems to lead with his face. Fortunately the face only receives lacerations from multiple sources adding to its scared story. The heavy blunt trauma is directed elsewhere without fatal results. Extra good character development. The story ends abruptly. Maybe to be picked up in the next story. Hopefully the main character will develop some insight and judgment on tactics plus will reap some financial security

A great new series!

Between this one and it’s predecessor, we have a fantastic new series with an extremely memorable protagonist. I hope Mr. Ames will bless us with several more Happy Doll novels. I heard Jonathan Ames on Marc Maron’s podcast a while back and during their conversation, he claimed to have spent a few years reading and rereading the entire Parker series. Judging by the first two Doll books, I would say that was time well spent. Thank you, sir. May I have another?

Should Have Known Better

I should have known better than to get an author narrated book. While the story was OK, the author starts many sentences with "and." Very annoying.